While still not a high scoring effort, Bismack did pretty well for him on offense, with his one miss being on a decently executed hook shot in the paint. The only complaint tonight was the lack of rebounds by Bis (and the number grabbed by Vucevic and NIcholson for Orlando).

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist saw limited minutes tonight, as Dunlap elected to go with a smaller lineup for large chunks of the game, playing Gerald Henderson at the 3 along with two other guards. But in MKG’s 17 minutes, he scored two baskets at the rim (and drew a foul), made a jump shot, and blocked two shots by the Magic. It was the nice, aggressive all-around game expected of Gilchrist and it was good to see it coming out of the All-Star break.

Another strong game from Byron, as he scored from the perimeter and in the paint, and continued his improved work on the glass, pulling down 12 rebounds on the night. There was a brief scare when Byron banged knees with someone and went down to the floor, but he did manage to stay in the game.

While Kemba came up just short of the 22-5-5 line we projected for him in the preview, it was a great game anyway. Efficient scoring, creating looks for teammates, and forcing a few turnovers by the Magic to create easy points.

Gerald Jr. gets the A+ for scoring 24 points on 1.5 points per field goal attempt, while also pulling down 10 rebounds from a wing position. He also helped make fellow Duke alum J.J. Redick miserable, as J.J. shot just 4 of 14 from the field with 4 turnovers.

Ramon could not get shots to fall tonight, going just 2 of 9. And his free throw shooting was off for him, making just 5 of 8 at the charity stripe. With 4 rebounds and 4 assists, it wasn’t a wasted effort – but it was subpar for him this season.

Ben didn’t do much to help his trade value tonight, as he missed a couple of open shots, as well as taking a few iffy ones.

Three Things We Saw

The Bobcats pulled out to a big lead, getting up by 20 at the half. But they allowed Orlando to creep back into the game in the second half, as the Bobcats were unable to keep up their hot shooting from early in the game. The Magic brought the game within 4 at a few points in the 4th quarter – but no closer.

Not to say the Bobcats didn’t give the Magic chances: There were at least two occasions in the 4th quarter where J.J. Redick wound up free for an open look at a three – and he missed both. Would that have given the Magic enough momentum to stage the comeback? The Bobcats were fortunate not to have to find out, as Orlando made just 4 of 25 from distance on the night.

Despite surrendering double digit rebounds to both members of the Magic’s starting front court, the Bobcats battled the Magic to nearly a draw on the glass, losing the rebounding battle 46-45. That largely came down to Gerald Henderson and Byron Mullens, as mentioned above.